I have many interests, so this is going to be a blog on lots of subjects. Submarines, my family, history, books I read, the space programme, archaeology, astronomy, current events, the occasional joke.... Just don't expect any politics, sports or deep philosophy, and we should get along fine.

18 December 2008

RIP: Majel Barrett Roddenberry

Majel Barrett Roddenberry, wife of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and the actress who portrayed Nurse Chapel on the original science-fiction television series, died Thursday of leukemia, according to the family.

Roddenberry, 76, died at her home in Bel Air with her son, Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, at her side, according to a family statement.

She began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing on shows such as "Bonanza," "The Untouchables" and "The Lucy Show." But she became a cult favorite on the original "Star Trek" series as Nurse Christine Chapel, the soft-spoken USS Enterprise medical assistant who adeptly aided Dr. McCoy and harbored a usually unspoken, unrequited love for Leonard Nimoy's Vulcan character, Mr. Spock.

Avid "Trek" fans also knew Chapel as the female voice of the Enterprise computer in virtually every television and movie incarnation of the series. She also voiced the ship's computer in the latest "Star Trek" film, which is due out next year.

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She and Gene Roddenberry were married on Aug. 6, 1969, after the original series was canceled, earning her the crown of "First Lady of Star Trek" among many Trekkies.

Gene Roddenberry died in 1991.

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Roddenberry is survived by her son, Eugene. Funeral arrangements were pending, and a public memorial was expected to be held after Christmas or in early 2009.

According to the family, donations in Roddenberry's memory can be sent to Precious Paws, 18034 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 430, Encino, 91316; or C.A.R.E., P.O. Box 56631, Sherman Oaks, 91403.